Zinc oxide overdose

Definition

Zinc oxide is an ingredient in many products. Some of these are certain creams and ointments used to prevent or treat minor skin burns and irritation. Zinc oxide overdose occurs when someone eats one of these products. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Desitin overdose; Calamine lotion overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Zinc oxide can cause symptoms if it is eaten, or if its fumes are breathed in.

Symptoms

Zinc oxide poisoning can cause these symptoms:

Fever, chills

Cough

Diarrhea

Mouth and throat irritation

Nausea and vomiting

Stomach pain

Yellow eyes and skin

Most of the harmful effects of zinc oxide come from breathing in the gas form of zinc oxide at industrial sites in the chemical or welding industry. This leads to a condition known as metal fume fever. Symptoms of metal fume fever include a metallic taste in the mouth, fever, headache, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Symptoms start about 4 to 12 hours after breathing in the fumes and may result in serious injury to the lungs.

Home Care

If someone swallows a lot of zinc oxide, give them water or milk right away. Do NOT give water or milk if the person is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical is breathed in (inhaled), move the person to fresh air.

Call your health care provider or poison control center.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

Person's age, weight, and condition

Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)

Time it was swallowed

Amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.

Tests that may be done include:

Blood and urine tests

Chest x-ray

ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)

Treatment may include:

Activated charcoal

Breathing support, including tube through the mouth into the throat and connected to a breathing machine if zinc oxide fumes were breathed in

Intravenous fluids (IV, given through a vein)

Laxative

Medicine to treat symptoms

Skin and eye washing if the product touched these tissues and they are irritated or swollen

Outlook (Prognosis)

Zinc oxide is not very poisonous if it is eaten. Long-term recovery is very likely. However, people who have had long-term exposure to metal fumes may develop serious lung disease.